U.S. patent application number 10/101555 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-17 for system and method for distributing product hazard information.
Invention is credited to Kaplan, Daniel, Knegendorf, William A..
Application Number | 20030074272 10/101555 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27379203 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030074272 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Knegendorf, William A. ; et
al. |
April 17, 2003 |
System and method for distributing product hazard information
Abstract
A system is provided that distributes product hazard information
to a user for products in which that particular user is interested.
Furthermore, the system may keep track of access information
including the product hazard notices that have been provided to
each user, as well as information about what user received a
particular notice and when they received it. This information may
be kept for a long period of time, and may be made available in
case of a future litigation or other court action compelling
disclosure. In addition to providing product hazard information to
the consumers, such a system may provide users with fulfillment
information about products for which recall notices have been
issued, or to provide links directly to appropriate fulfillment
companies' web pages.
Inventors: |
Knegendorf, William A.;
(Saunderstown, RI) ; Kaplan, Daniel; (Barrington,
RI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOLF GREENFIELD & SACKS, PC
FEDERAL RESERVE PLAZA
600 ATLANTIC AVENUE
BOSTON
MA
02210-2211
US
|
Family ID: |
27379203 |
Appl. No.: |
10/101555 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60276676 |
Mar 16, 2001 |
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60281520 |
Apr 4, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/26.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 40/08 20130101;
G06Q 30/0601 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/26 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A computer-implemented method of distributing product hazard
information to users, said method comprising: sorting user
preferences for at least one user; receiving product hazard
information from at least one product hazard information source;
identifying at least one user to receive said product hazard
information based on user preferences; and making said product
hazard information available to the at least one identified
user.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising
processing said product hazard information.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein processing
said product hazard information further comprises verifying said
product hazard information.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein processing
said product hazard information further comprises determining at
least one category for said product hazard information, wherein the
at least one category is determined based on at least one product
identified in said product hazard information.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein said at
least one user is presented with a personalized access site when
said user accesses a system providing product hazard
information.
6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, further comprising
registering said at least one user to access the system.
7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein registering
said at least one user is performed before allowing said user to
access the system.
8. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, further comprising
requesting authentication information from the at least one
user.
9. The computer-implemented method of claim 8, wherein requesting
authentication information from the at least one user is performed
before allowing said user to access the system.
10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising
accepting at least one user input prior to making said product
hazard information available to the at least one identified
user.
11. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, further comprising
recording information related to making said product hazard
information available to the at least one identified user in a
database.
12. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising
sending an alert regarding said product hazard information to the
identified at least one user.
13. The computer-implemented method of claim 12, wherein sending an
alert further comprises sending an electronic mail message to the
identified at least one user.
14. The computer-implemented method of claim 12, wherein said alert
comprises a link to said product hazard information message
indicating that one or more notifications relevant to the
identified at least one user are available.
15. The computer-implemented method of claim 14, wherein providing
said product hazard information is performed after the at least one
identified user accesses a system providing product hazard
information, wherein system access is performed by following said
link.
16. The computer-implemented method of claim 12, wherein said user
preferences further comprise preferences for whether a user should
receive notices regarding product hazard information identified for
said user.
17. The computer-implemented method of claim 16, wherein said user
preferences further comprise at least one of: a time when said
notices should be sent out, a portion of a day when said notices
should be sent out, an indication of when said notices should be
sent out, preferences indicating notices regarding which product
hazard information should be sent out.
18. The computer-implemented method of claim 16, wherein said user
preferences further comprise preferences for categories of product
hazard information regarding which notices should be sent out.
19. The computer-implemented method of claim 16, wherein said user
preferences further comprise an indication of products for which
alerts regarding available product hazard information should be
sent out.
20. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein user
preferences for a user further comprise an indication of categories
for which product hazard information should be presented to said
user.
21. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein user
preferences for a user further comprise an indication of user's
geographical location.
22. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein user
preferences for a user further comprise an indication of at least
one geographical area of interest to the user, wherein product
hazard information for products relevant to said at least one
geographical area should be made available to the user.
23. The computer-implemented method of claim 22, further comprising
an indication of product categories for which product hazard
information should be made available to the user.
24. The computer-implemented method of claim 22, wherein user
preferences further comprise an indication of granularity for said
at least one geographical area.
25. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining at least one logged-in user from the at least one
identified user; and presenting said product hazard information to
said at least one logged-in user from the at least one identified
user.
26. The computer-implemented method of claim 25, further comprising
recording information related to presenting said product hazard
information to the at least one logged-in user from the at least
one identified user in a database.
27. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising
sending a notice regarding said product hazard information to the
identified at least one user if the at least one user has not
previously accessed said product hazard information.
28. The computer-implemented method of claim 27, further comprising
recording information related to sending the notice to the at least
one identified user in a database.
29. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein said
information related to presenting said product hazard information
is stored in the database in memory.
30. The computer-implemented method of claim 29, further comprising
preserving the database for at least a pre-set amount of time.
31. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein each user
from the at least one user has a unique identifier.
32. The computer-implemented method of claim 31, further comprising
recording, for a user accessing the product hazard information,
user's unique identifier in the database.
33. The computer-implemented method of claim 32, further comprising
making at least a portion of information stored in the database
available to a third party in response to a subpoena.
34. The computer-implemented method of claim 33, wherein the at
least a portion of information stored in the database comprises
identification information that identifies a user who accessed said
product hazard information and a date and time of the access.
35. The computer-implemented method of claim 29, wherein the
product hazard information has a unique identifier.
36. The computer-implemented method of claim 35, wherein said
information related to presenting said product hazard information
further comprises at least one of: a time of the presentation, a
data of the presentation, a unique identifier of a user to whom the
product hazard information was presented, and the unique identifier
for the product hazard information.
37. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
modifying user preferences for a first user by the first user; and
storing information regarding modification of the user preferences
for the first user in a database.
38. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising
receiving product warning information from a second user.
39. The computer-implemented method of claim 38, wherein the
product warning information is a report from the second user of
potential problems related to a product.
40. The computer-implemented method of claim 38, further comprising
verifying the product warning information.
41. The computer-implemented method of claim 38, further
comprising: identifying at least one third user to receive the
product warning information based on user preferences; and making
the product warning information available to the identified at
least one third user.
42. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein making the
product hazard information available to the identified at least one
user comprises making the product hazard information available
through at least one of a group including of: a website, a
telephone, an electronic mail message, an instant message, and a
television.
43. The computer-implemented method of claim 42, wherein making the
product hazard information available further comprises making the
product hazard information available simultaneously through two or
more of the group.
44. The computer-implemented method of claim 42, wherein
information regarding access to the product hazard information is
recorded in a database, and wherein the information regarding
access to the product hazard information further comprises an
indication of a method of access.
45. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising
authenticating the at least one identified user.
46. The computer-implemented method of claim 45, wherein the
authentication is based on a username-password combination.
47. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
registering the at least one user; and creating a set of
preferences for the at least one user.
48. A method for administering a survey, the survey having a
plurality of questions, the method comprising: presenting, to at
least one user, a single question of the survey, the single
question soliciting an opinion of the user, and having at least one
of a positive or negative response.
49. The method according to claim 48, further comprising
maintaining a response distribution associated with the single
question.
50. The method according to claim 49, further comprising presenting
to the user, at least one other question, the at least one other
question verifying the response distribution of the single
question.
51. The method according to claim 50, wherein the at least one
other question is a rephrasing of the single question wherein the
at least one other question produces a response similar to a
response to the single question.
52. The method according to claim 48, wherein the at least one of a
positive or negative responses are yes or no, respectively.
53. The method according to claim 48, further comprising displaying
the single question to the user in a user interface.
54. The method according to claim 53, wherein the user interface is
a browser program that displays a markup language document
including the single question.
55. The method according to claim 47, further comprising
maintaining a list of one or more questions of the plurality of
questions of the survey to which the user responded, the list being
associated with a user ID associated with the user.
56. The method according to claim 47, further comprising
maintaining a list of one or more questions of the plurality of
questions of the survey to which the user has not responded, the
list being associated with a user ID associated with the user.
57. The method according to claim 56, further comprising presenting
to the user, at least one other question, the at least one other
question being on the list of one or more questions to which the
user has not responded.
58. The method according to claim 47, wherein the user is
restricted to either one of the positive or negative response.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit under Title 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Serial No.
60/276,676, filed Mar. 16, 2001, entitled "METHODS AND APPARATUS
FOR IMPROVED COLLECTION, HANDLING AND DISSEMINATION OF CONSUMER
PRODUCT SAFETY INFORMATION" by Daniel Kaplan, David P. Goldsmith,
and William A. Knegendorf, and U.S. Provisional Application Serial
No. 60/281,520, filed Apr. 4, 2001, entitled "METHODS AND APPARATUS
FOR IMPROVED COLLECTION, HANDLING AND DISSEMINATION OF CONSUMER
PRODUCT SAFETY INFORMATION" by Daniel Kaplan, David P. Goldsmith,
and William A. Knegendorf, both of which applications are
incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This application pertains generally to distributing product
information, and, more particularly to a computer-implemented
system and method for distributing product hazard information.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Thousands of new products are produced daily and released
into the stream of commerce by manufacturers. Some of these
products are later found to be defective or dangerous to consumers.
Occasionally a manufacturer may learn about a defect from customers
or one of the product distributors; sometimes the defect becomes
apparent during the post-production testing or prolonged product
use, and sometimes it may be discovered after an accident or a
malfunction.
[0004] If a particular kind of product is found to have a common
flaw that is hazardous, a manufacturer may issue a product hazard
information notice, in which detailed information regarding the
flaw is provided and either a method of fixing the flaw is
described, or consumers who purchased the product may be directed
to exchange it at the place of purchase or return it to the
manufacturer. This process is sometimes referred to as a "product
recall," because the manufacturer is recalling the product and
offers to supply the affected consumers with a safer version of the
product or monetary compensation.
[0005] Even after the manufacturer announces a recall, there is a
danger that the notice will not reach the affected consumers
because there is no adequate method for identifying consumers that
are currently using the products. Product hazard information
notices may be sent to product distributors. High-profile recalls,
such as, for example, those that cause death, may be mentioned in
television programs or newspaper articles, but even for those
products there is no guarantee that the information will reach all
relevant consumers. Additionally, information distributed by
newspapers often contains only an indication of a product that is
being recalled, and not directions for what a consumer should do in
connection with this recall.
[0006] Statistics show that even in high-profile recalls, such as
those that have been featured on television or in newspapers, less
than half of the products are properly returned to the manufacturer
over the lifetime of the product. Returning the product to the
manufacturer or exchanging it for another product, as specified by
the recall notice, is called "fulfilling" that recall. Typically,
manufacturers hire special companies called "fulfillment companies"
or "reverse distribution companies" who are experts in the recall
process and act as middlemen between the manufacturer and the
consumers in the process of exchanging or refunding the products.
Still, even these companies generally recover less than half of the
total number of products released into the stream of commerce.
[0007] An attempt has been made in prior systems to distribute
product hazard notices over the Internet--either from a website or
by email. However, such systems have no way to target specific
information to consumers most interested in it, and a user may end
up receiving a large number of notices, most of which are not of
interest to that user. Furthermore, some users may receive more
than one copy of a particular notice from different sources or even
from the same source. Such a high ratio of irrelevant to relevant
information may cause users to unsubscribe from the service or to
miss or ignore relevant notices.
[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a system for delivering only
relevant product hazard notices to users in a timely and consistent
fashion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, a method is
provided for distributing product hazard information to users, the
method comprising sorting user preferences for at least one user,
receiving product hazard information from at least one product
hazard information source, identifying at least one user to receive
the product hazard information based on user preferences, and
making the product hazard information available to the at least one
identified user. According to another aspect of the invention, the
method further comprises processing the product hazard information.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided
wherein processing the product hazard information further comprises
verifying the product hazard information. According to another
aspect of the invention, a method is provided wherein processing
the product hazard information further comprises determining at
least one category for the product hazard information, wherein the
at least one category is determined based on at least one product
identified in the product hazard information. According to another
aspect of the invention, a method is provided wherein the at least
one user is presented with a personalized access site when the user
accesses a system providing product hazard information. According
to another aspect of the invention, the method further comprises
registering the at least one user to access the system.
[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, a method is
provided wherein registering the at least one user is performed
before allowing the user to access the system. According to another
aspect of the invention, the method further comprises requesting
authentication information from the at least one user. According to
another aspect of the invention, a method is provided wherein
requesting authentication information from the at least one user is
performed before allowing the user to access the system. According
to another aspect of the invention, the method further comprises
accepting at least one user input prior to making the product
hazard information available to the at least one identified user.
According to another aspect of the invention, the method further
comprises recording information related to making the product
hazard information available to the at least one identified user in
a database. According to another aspect of the invention, the
method further comprises sending a notice regarding the product
hazard information to the identified at least one user. According
to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided wherein
sending a notice further comprises sending an electronic mail
message to the identified user. According to another aspect of the
invention, a method is provided wherein the notice comprises a
message indicating that one or more notifications relevant to the
identified at least one user are available. According to another
aspect of the invention, a method is provided wherein providing the
product hazard information is performed after the at least one
identified user accesses a system providing product hazard
information, wherein system access is performed by following the
link. According to another aspect of the invention, a method is
provided wherein the user preferences further comprise preferences
for whether a user should receive notices regarding product hazard
information identified for the user.
[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, a method is
provided wherein the user preferences further comprise at least one
of: a time when the notices should be sent out, a portion of a day
when the notices should be sent out, an indication of when the
notices should be sent out, preferences indicating notices
regarding which product hazard information should be sent out.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided
wherein the user preferences further comprise preferences for
categories of product hazard information regarding which notices
should be sent out. According to another aspect of the invention, a
method is provided wherein the user preferences further comprise an
indication of products for which notices regarding available
product hazard information should be sent out. According to another
aspect of the invention, a method is provided wherein user
preferences for a user further comprise an indication of categories
for which product hazard information should be presented to the
user. According to another aspect of the invention, a method is
provided wherein user preferences for a user further comprise an
indication of user's geographical location. According to another
aspect of the invention, a method is provided wherein user
preferences for a user further comprise an indication of at least
one geographical area of interest to the user, wherein product
hazard information for products relevant to the at least one
geographical area should be made available to the user. According
to another aspect of the invention, the method further comprises an
indication of product categories for which product hazard
information should be made available to the user. According to
another aspect of the invention, a method is provided wherein user
preferences further comprise an indication of granularity for the
at least one geographical area. According to another aspect of the
invention, the method further comprises determining at least one
logged-in user from the at least one identified user, and
presenting the product hazard information to the at least one
logged-in user from the at least one identified user. According to
another aspect of the invention, the method further comprises
recording information related to presenting the product hazard
information to the at least one logged-in user from the at least
one identified user in a database. According to another aspect of
the invention, the method further comprises sending a notice
regarding the product hazard information to the identified at least
one user if the at least one user has not previously accessed the
product hazard information. According to another aspect of the
invention, the method further comprises recording information
related to sending the notice to the at least one identified user
in a database. According to another aspect of the invention, a
method is provided wherein the information related to presenting
the product hazard information is stored in the database in
memory.
[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the method
further comprises preserving the database for at least a pre-set
amount of time. According to another aspect of the invention, a
method is provided wherein each user from the at least one user has
a unique identifier. According to another aspect of the invention,
the method further comprises recording, for a user accessing the
product hazard information, user's unique identifier in the
database. According to another aspect of the invention, the method
further comprises making at least a portion of information stored
in the database available to a third party in response to a
subpoena. According to another aspect of the invention, a method is
provided wherein the at least a portion of information stored in
the database comprises identification information that identifies a
user who accessed the product hazard information and a date and
time of the access. According to another aspect of the invention, a
method is provided wherein the product hazard information has a
unique identifier. According to another aspect of the invention, a
method is provided wherein the information related to presenting
the product hazard information further comprises at least one of: a
time of the presentation, a data of the presentation, a unique
identifier of a user to whom the product hazard information was
presented, and the unique identifier for the product hazard
information. According to another aspect of the invention, the
method further comprises modifying user preferences for a first
user by the first user, and storing information regarding
modification of the user preferences for the first user in a
database. According to another aspect of the invention, the method
further comprises receiving product warning information from a
second user. According to another aspect of the invention, a method
is provided wherein the product warning information is a report
from the second user of potential problems related to a product.
According to another aspect of the invention, the method further
comprises verifying the product warning information.
[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, a method is
provided for identifying at least one third user to receive the
product warning information based on user preferences, and making
the product warning information available to the identified at
least one third user. According to another aspect of the invention,
a method is provided wherein making the product hazard information
available to the identified at least one user comprises making the
product hazard information available through at least one of a
group including of: a website, a telephone, an electronic mail
message, an instant message, and a television. According to another
aspect of the invention, a method is provided wherein making the
product hazard information available further comprises making the
product hazard information available simultaneously through two or
more of the group. According to another aspect of the invention, a
method is provided wherein information regarding access to the
product hazard information is recorded in a database, and wherein
the information regarding access to the product hazard information
further comprises an indication of a method of access. According to
another aspect of the invention, the method further comprises
authenticating the at least one identified user. According to
another aspect of the invention, a method is provided wherein the
authentication is based on a username-password combination.
According to another aspect of the invention, the method further
comprises registering the at least one user, and creating a set of
preferences for the at least one user.
[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, a method is
provided for administering a survey, the survey having a plurality
of questions, the method comprises presenting, to at least one
user, a single question of the survey, the single question
soliciting an opinion of the user, and having at least one of a
positive or negative response. According to one aspect of the
invention, the method further comprises maintaining a response
distribution associated with the single question. According to one
aspect of the invention, the method further comprises presenting to
the user, at least one other question, the at least one other
question verifying the response distribution of the single
question. According to another aspect of the invention, a method is
provided wherein the at least one other question is a rephrasing of
the single question wherein the at least one other question
produces a response similar to a response to the single question.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided
wherein the at least one of a positive or negative responses are
yes or no, respectively. According to another aspect of the
invention, the method further comprises including the single
question in an electronic mail message sent to the user. According
to another aspect of the invention, the method further comprises
displaying the single question to the user in a user interface.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided
wherein the user interface is a browser program that displays a
markup language document including the single question. According
to another aspect of the invention, the method further comprises
maintaining a list of one or more questions of the plurality of
questions of the survey to which the user responded, the list being
associated with a user ID associated with the user. According to
another aspect of the invention, the method further comprises
maintaining a list of one or more questions of the plurality of
questions of the survey to which the user has not responded, the
list being associated with a user ID associated with the user.
According to one aspect of the invention, the method further
comprises presenting to the user, at least one other question, the
at least one other question being on the list of one or more
questions to which the user has not responded.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] In the drawings:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a system according
to one embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a flow chart for processing a product hazard
notice according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a sample of product categories
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a flow chart for a method of presenting an
interface to a user according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a user interface according to
one embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a hierarchy of user
preferences according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a user interface that allows a
user to change their preferences according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a process of new user
registration according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a user interface for
authenticating users according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0025] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a user interface for
registering a new user according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of a hierarchy of
additional functions presented to a user in the user interface
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a process of providing a
user survey to users; and
[0028] FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a process for providing a
link to a fulfillment company site.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] One aspect of the invention relates to a system for
providing product hazard information to users in a timely and
reliable fashion. Manufacturers may be interested in consumers
receiving hazard information the notices in a timely fashion for
many reasons. For example, if the recall proceeds as planned and a
significant number of consumers are notified, a manufacturer may
avoid liability for injuries as more consumers that use the
products are notified before injuries occur. Moreover, the
manufacturer would like to know who received the hazard notice in
order to defend itself in frivolous lawsuits where a consumer
continues to use the product despite the notification or even
stages an accident after reading the product hazard notice.
[0030] Manufacturers may also like to receive statistics
information about consumers who receive their product hazard
notices. They may be interested in such information as the total
number of consumers who receive a particular notice, sociological
information about people who receive the notice, what kind of
information in which they are most interested, in what form they
would prefer to receive the information, and other information. By
analyzing statistical information about consumers who receive the
product hazard notices, a manufacturer may be able to get a better
understanding of its consumers and their interests, and how its
products are being used, therefore gaining information that may be
used in new product design.
[0031] Likewise, fulfillment companies may want consumers to
receive the product hazard notice information because the
processing of receive information generates revenue for them.
Further, fulfillment companies may prefer to have a way to connect
to the consumers who receive the product hazard notice, so that a
consumer receiving such a notice does not have to research
additional information and may instead easily contact the
fulfillment company. And, just like the manufacturers, fulfillment
companies may be interested in statistical information that relates
to the consumers that receive the product hazard notices.
[0032] Still, manufacturers and fulfillment companies may not be
the only ones interested in the statistical information. A number
of other entities and third parties such as government agencies and
consumer boards may be interested in receiving information about
product recalls and their fulfillment. Such information may be
needed, for example, by the Government to include in a report, to
determine a niche for a particular type of companies within the
economy, or to access the overall dangerousness of a particular
type of product. In addition to receiving product hazard notices,
users sometimes may want to share their own stories about defects
in particular products that they have purchased or accidents that
may have happened because of a defective or a substandard product
or part. Such stories, if verified, may serve as a warning for
other consumers or may later become sources for new product hazard
warnings. Furthermore, users may like to receive recommendations
for particular agencies, boards, companies, or manufacturers to
contact with that information.
[0033] A system according to one embodiment of the invention may
provide a user with product hazard information for products in
which that particular user is interested. Furthermore, the system
may keep track of access information including the product hazard
notices that have been provided to each user, as well as
information about what user received a particular notice and when
they received it. This information may be kept for a long period of
time, and may be made available in case of a future litigation or
other court action compelling disclosure. In addition to providing
product hazard information to the consumers, such a system may
provide users with fulfillment information about products for which
recall notices have been issued, or, possibly, even to provide
links directly to appropriate fulfillment companies' web pages.
[0034] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a product
information distribution system 100 according to one embodiment of
the invention. System 100 may distribute product hazard information
to users, as well as other information associated with the stream
of commerce and user functions in general.
[0035] A user may be an individual, a family unit, a group of
individuals, a company, a fiduciary entity, or any combination of
the above. An entity, likewise, may be an individual, a company, a
fiduciary entity, a government entity, or any combination of the
above. According to one embodiment of the invention, system 100
does not impose restrictions on who may register for service
provided by system 100. In an alternative embodiment of the
invention, use of system 100 may be limited to a particular group
of individuals, financial entities, or a combination of the above.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, a user may be a
different type of entity, as appropriate for a particular
application, as determined by one skilled in the art. Each user of
system 100 may be assigned a unique identifier, by which that user
may be identified. The unique identifier may be based on a user
name, an internal system calculation, a constant, or any
combination of the above.
[0036] The term "product" as used herein may refer to any good,
consumer or otherwise, that may be generally placed in the stream
of commerce. The term "product hazard information" refers to any
information regarding usability or functionality of a product; it
is not limited to official "recall notices" issued by
manufacturers. For example, product hazard information for a
particular model of a car may include information about certain
defects of the car that are result of a production oversight,
defects that occur after prolonged use, information about uses of
the car that are not recommended, such as, for example "driving the
car at high speeds in wet or snowy condition," information about
possible additions or uses of the car that improve usability and/or
safety, additional features of the car, etc. In an alternative
embodiment of the invention, product hazard information may also
include general notices or press releases provided by the
manufacturers or other entities. In yet another embodiment of the
invention, product hazard information may also comprise
advertisements or opinion information supplied by manufacturers,
specialists, users, or other entities.
[0037] Product hazard information provided to users may be received
from manufacturers of products, according to one embodiment of the
invention. A term "manufacturer" is used herein to refer to any
entity or individual participating in the stream of commerce. A
manufacturer may be, for example, an entity producing goods,
distributing goods to other goods distributors, distributing goods
to consumers, acting as an agent for another entity, generally
being related to the consumer process, or any combination of the
above. In another embodiment of the invention, a manufacturer may
also be a provider of services, goods, or combination thereof.
[0038] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, product
hazard information may be received from entities other than
manufacturers, such as, for example, product distributors or other
distributors of product hazard information. In yet another
embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the product
hazard information may be generated, either automatically or by
personnel, as a part of system 100 functionality if, for example,
system 100 is created and maintained by one or more manufacturers.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of
the product hazard information may be received from entities acting
as distributors of the product hazard information.
[0039] System 100 may be implemented by a client-server
architecture, where servers 104 and associated databases 108a-108e,
as well as other elements, generally form a server side 102.
Clients 112a-112n allow users to access the system and may be
generally referred to as the client side. Communication between
server side 102 and clients 112a-112n may be accomplished through
network 106. Network 106 may be any medium that facilitates between
two or more computers, such as, for example, a global network--the
Internet, a local area network (LAN), direct connection lines such
as fiber optic or copper cabling, a wireless medium or network, or
any combination of the above.
[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, separation
between the server side 102 and the clients may be functional and
not necessarily physical. Any number of the client computers
110a-110n may be located physically near or may be same physical
machines as servers 104 or computers housing databases 108a-e.
[0041] Servers 104 may generally comprise one or more hardware or
software modules capable of providing--"serving"--information to
clients. Server 104 may be, for example, several computers
connected by a network, such as, for example, network 106. Each
server machine may be, for example, a single or multi-processor
computer, configured to access one or more databases or storage
area and to serve information as appropriate to the clients. An
alternative embodiment of the invention may include one or more
other server functionalities, as deemed appropriate by one skilled
in the art. For example, servers 104 may serve web pages (that is,
perform as HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) servers) or may serve
other applications or store application data.
[0042] Databases 108a-e may be implemented, for example, as a
database housed on a computer, filing system where files act as
units of information, logical partition on a storage device, a file
or multiple files, a software object, an agent, a data structure,
or any combination of the above. Databases 108a-e may be separate
databases or logical partitioning of one or more databases.
[0043] Records database 108a may include records that indicate a
user's access to one or more portions of product hazard
information. It may store, for example, such information as a time
and date of each access, an identity or a unique identification
number of the user who made a particular access, which information
was accessed, etc. In one embodiment of the invention, records in
database 108a do not include personal user information. Rather, the
records refer to individuals by unique identifiers. In an
alternative embodiment of the invention, personal user information
may be stored with records of the records database 108 and may be
stored in an encrypted, or unencrypted form. Records of database
108a may be implemented as records of the database, objects, data
structures, or any other form.
[0044] User information database 108b may store information that
relates to users of the system. For instance, a separate record may
be stored for each indicating user preferences in using the system
and user personal information, such as name, address, telephone
number, etc. User preferences and personal information will be
described in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7. In
addition, user information database 108b may store chronological
information about user preferences and personal information--that
is, information about all or a portion of the changes to the
preferences or personal information and data about when and by
whom, and, possibly, in response to what, such changes were
implemented. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, user
information database 108b may store additional information, as
appropriate for the particular embodiment of the invention and as
determined by one skilled in the art.
[0045] Billing database 108c may store information regarding
financial functionality of the system--such as, for example,
records about payments, whether from users or from manufacturers,
calculations of pricing structures, etc. Some possible pricing
structure and associated billing methods are described in a related
application entitled "METHOD FOR PERFORMING RISK-BASED PRICING OF A
SERVICE OR GOOD" by William A. Knegendorf et al., filed Mar. 18,
2002, the contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0046] Information provided to manufacturers, users, and other
entities may include, for example, statistics about system use and
access. Such statistics may be calculated, for example, by
statistics engine 124. Statistics engine 124 may be a hardware or
software module, where a module is generally defined as a software
program, an agent, a software object, a procedure, a group of
instructions, or any combination of the above, or, as appropriate,
a computer processor or processors executing any of the above. In
one possible embodiment of the invention, statistics engine 124 may
be, for example, a statistical package housed on one of server
machines 104. Statistics calculated may include total number of
accesses to a particular product hazard notice, distribution of
users accessing the notice by time, time of access, or user
characteristics--such as the user's age or geographical location.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, statistics may also
include such information as a number of repeat views of the
information, etc. Other statistical information may be provided
upon request from an entity or the system administrator, as deemed
appropriate by one skilled in the art.
[0047] Product hazard information database 108d may contain, for
example, product hazard notices available in system 100. In an
alternative embodiment of the invention, database load may also
contain product hazard notices that are no longer active but were
once available in system 100. In yet another embodiment of the
invention, product hazard information database 108d may further
contain product hazard notices that are not active, yet, but might
become active at some point in the future. Each product hazard
notice may be assigned a separate unique identification number and
may be accessed by its number. Other methods for accessing the
database, such as by searching it by name and/or features of the
products or manufacturers involved, may be provided.
[0048] Product warnings database 108e may contain stories and
eyewitness accounts submitted by users. Such stories may include,
for example, stories regarding accidents that involve one or more
products. Product warnings database 108e may also contain
information associated with reporting those user warnings to
appropriate entities, such as, for example, manufacturers or
government agencies. In an alternative embodiment of the invention,
product warnings database 108e may contain further information
related to product user warnings, such as resolution of a
particular warning or product hazard notices that were issued for
the products involved.
[0049] Databases used by system 100 are not limited to the ones
described above. Other databases storing other information as
appropriate may be included in system 100 and the invention is not
limited to the implementation or particular contents of the
databases is described above.
[0050] Operation of databases 108a-e and servers 104 may be
supervised and/or modified by system administrators. Such system
administrator or administrators may use, for example, administrator
workstation 122. Administrator workstation 122 does not need to be
physically located near servers and databases that it is
administrating. Administrator workstation 122 may be generally any
computer, from which an administrator may access workings of system
100. Administrator workstation 122 may contain administrator
software (not shown) used to access all or certain portions of
system 100, and this administrator software may be executed on any
system for the purpose of performing administrative functions. Any
number of administrators and administrator workstations may be
provided in the system, as deemed appropriate by one skilled in the
art.
[0051] Server side 102 may further include access points for
entities such as manufacturers, fulfillment companies, and users.
For example, server side 102 may contain product hazard information
supplier interface 126, through which product hazard information
may be submitted by manufacturers, users, etc. Product hazard
supplier interface 126 may be a hardware or a software module
designed to accept and process product hazard information. In an
alternative embodiment of the invention, product hazard supplier
interface 126 may further include system personnel. Product hazard
information suppliers may access interface 126 through computer 116
or telephone 114c. Operation of the product hazard supplier
interface 126 and product hazard information processing is further
discussed below in connection with FIG. 2.
[0052] Server side 102 may also include a fulfillment party
interface 128. Interface 128 may be used by fulfillment companies
to register as fulfillment entities for a particular product. In an
alternative embodiment of the invention, interface 128 may be used
to link product hazard notices to fulfillment companies or to
provide information to fulfillment companies about users accessing
product hazard notices. Representatives of fulfillment entities may
contact system 100 by using workstations 118 or by telephone means
114d. Fulfillment interface 128 is described in further detail in
connection with FIG. 13.
[0053] Users may access system 100 by using user stations 112a-n
running user client interface 110a-n. Client interface may be an
application or web pages configured to display information provided
by system 100. Client interface 110 may be configured by individual
users to suit their needs and to represent information according to
the preference of each user. In an alternative embodiment of the
invention, a number of different client interfaces may be provided
by system 100. In yet another embodiment of the invention, client
interfaces may be especially adapted to particular user's needs.
Such as, for example, client user interface 112b may be adapted to
present only text in order to facilitate access to a user who is
blind and is using text-to-speech interfaces to access system 100.
Client interfaces and their modification are further discussed in
connection with FIGS. 4 through 13.
[0054] In addition to receiving product hazard information through
client interfaces 110, users may receive additional product hazard
notices or alerts using other methods. For example, system 100 may
send out product hazard alerts when new product hazard alerts are
available to a particular user. Such product hazard alerts may be
sent out, for example, by electronic mail (not shown) or may be
picked up by users at their convenience. Product hazard alerts will
be further described below in connection with FIG. 5.
[0055] Users may use methods other than accessing system 100 using
workstations to obtain product hazard information. Such means may
include, for example, a telephone. Alternative means 150 is
provided in system 100. Alternative access may be generally a part
of server side 102. In an alternative embodiment of the invention,
alternative access may be not a part of server side 102 and may act
as clients to server side 102, while acting as servers or providers
of information to users.
[0056] Alternative access 150 may be comprised of entities outside
of system 100 supplying access to system 100. Such alternative
access may include, for example, telephones. Users may use
telephones 114a-n to access telephone interface 150. Telephone
interface 150 may provide substantially the same functionality,
except relayed through a telephone, as client interfaces 110a-n.
Such functionality may include a voice interface or telephone
Internet access interface. A voice interface presents information
in an audio format, while telephone Internet access interface may
include a telephone web browser, such as, for example, a
WAP-capable browser. Telephone interface 156 may be connected to
server side 102 through network 106.
[0057] Telephone interface 156 may be implemented, for example, as
a computer or software module adapted to receive telephone
connections and perform functions based on user input supplied
through a telephone--such as, for example, by voice or by pressing
telephone buttons.
[0058] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, telephone
access may also include a call center 158. Call center agents (not
shown) may access call center 158 through call center interfaces
162a-n located on call center agent stations 160a-n. Users may
access call center 158 and speak to one or multiple call center
agents to access system 100. Call center agents may represent
sufficiently same functionality as client interfaces 110a-n. In an
alternative embodiment of the invention, call center agent
interface 162a-n may be similar or identical to client interfaces
110a-n, and may provide the same functionality.
[0059] In general, alternative access 150 are not limited to what
is described above, and may include any of other alternative, as
deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art. Such alternative
access may include, for example, television access, post mail
access, electronic mail access, or in-person access.
[0060] System 100 is not limited to the embodiment of the invention
described above and may be modified by one skilled in the art, as
appropriate. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, system
100 may comprise architecture other than a server-client
architecture, or modified server-client architecture. In another
embodiment of the invention, system 100 may comprise elements other
than what is described above, or may be supplemented by additional
elements or functions.
[0061] Product hazard information supply and processing will now be
described in connection with FIG. 2. Product hazard information
processing begins at step 202, where product hazard information
supplier contacts system 100 to provide a new notice or modify an
existing notice.
[0062] Product hazard information is received in step 204. Product
hazard information may be received automatically by a computerized
product hazard information supplier interface 126, or it may be
received by personnel acting as part of product hazard information
supplier interface 126.
[0063] Each separate product hazard notice is assigned a unique ID
in step 206. If the manufacturer is modifying information already
providing in a previous notice, that notice may be identified by
its ID. According to one embodiment of the invention, all such
changes to the notices are recorded in the system, thus creating a
chronological record of changes. A unique ID may be generated, for
example, as the next unused ID in the system. In an alternative
embodiment of the invention, the unique ID may be generated by
performing some permutation on a representation of the manufacturer
information or the product hazard notice.
[0064] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a unique ID may
be generated, for example, by computing a cryptographic hash of the
information hazard notice. The cryptographic hash may serve a dual
purpose of serving as a unique ID and acting as an additional time
stamp. For example, if at time t0, such a hash is assigned to the
notice, and time t1, an authenticity of the notice is challenged, a
computation of the cryptographic hash may be performed on the text
of the notice at time t1. If the resulting hash is identical to the
hash received at time t0, then it can be said with substantial
certainty that the text of the product hazard notice was identical
at times t0 and t1.
[0065] In yet another embodiment of the invention, product hazard
unique ID may be selected in such a manner as to facilitate future
searches in product hazard information database 108d. Other methods
of generating a unique ID may be used, and the invention is not
limited to any particular implementation. Furthermore, it is
contemplated that one skilled in the art may deem it necessary to
assign the same ID to multiple notices, or to reuse the IDs after a
particular period of time.
[0066] The product hazard notice is processed in step 208, and may
include, for example, verifying the notice by authenticating the
notice. Such authentication may be performed by a software module
or by personnel, and authentication of information is well-known in
the art as a method for determining that the information came from
a particular source. In addition to authenticating of the notice,
product hazard information supplier interface 126 may also verify
the information contained in the product hazard notice. Such
verification may be accomplished by, for example, receiving
corroborating information from other sources. A notice, once
verified, is reformatted, if necessary, and a hazard notification
is produced and stored at server 100.
[0067] Product hazard notice processing in step 208 may further
comprise determining one or more categories for products addressed
in the hazard notice. For example, a product hazard notice
regarding a lawn mover engine may be categorized under
"Appliances", and further subcategorized as "Outdoor appliances"
and "Lawn mowers." These categorizations may be later used in
determining which users should receive the product hazard
notice.
[0068] FIG. 3 shows a sample according to product categories of one
embodiment of the invention. Product categories may be divided into
subcategories, which, in turn may be divided into more specific
subcategories or may contain individual products. For example,
category 308--"Appliances"--may be subdivided into categories 310a
and 310b--"Outdoor" and "Electronics", respectively. One or more of
those categories may be further subdivided, such as, for example,
"Outdoor" may be subdivided into "Lawn mowers"--category 312.
[0069] A system administrator may impose a category structure and
may modify it as appropriate. In an alternative embodiment of the
invention, the category structure may be generated automatically or
may be suggested by product hazard information suppliers. In yet
another embodiment of the invention, the category structure may be
that which is commonly used in a particular industry.
[0070] User interface 302 may be used by one or more administrators
to assign product hazard notices to particular categories. It
should be appreciated that the interface used may be different from
that which is illustrated in FIG. 3, and the invention is not
limited to any particular implementation.
[0071] In addition to verifying and categorizing hazard notices,
product hazard notices may go through additional textual
processing, where, for example, each notice is put into an
appropriate textual document. For example, notices may be converted
to a single format, such as the HyperText Mark-up Language (HTML)
format, or any other format. After processing product hazard
notices, they may be stored in product hazard information database
108d, and indexed by unique ID, by category, or by other
identifiers, such as, for example, title and/or manufacturer.
[0072] Once the product hazard notification is stored in system
100, system 100 may determine users which should be alerted of the
new product hazard notification. Users are identified on the basis
of user preferences. For example, if a user indicated that he/she
would like to receive product hazard information related to the
category "Outdoor Appliances," such a user would be identified to
receive a notification regarding a particular model of a lawnmover.
User preferences are discussed in further detail below in
connection with FIG. 6.
[0073] A check is performed in step 212 to identify those users who
are currently logged in. If there are logged in users, they are
immediately notified about the new notification in step 216. This
notification may take form of, for example, an alert presented to
the user in a client interface. In an alternative embodiment of the
invention, notification may be provided to logged-in users only if
their preferences indicate that they would prefer to receive such
notification during their access to system 100. At block 217, if
there are any alerts that have not been received by the user (e.g.
alerts that have not been read and a receipt generated), the system
may send out an alert to the user indicating that there are unread
alerts available.
[0074] Users who are not logged into the system when the new or
modified notification arrives may be notified through other means,
such as, for example, electronic mail. Notification is performed to
the user (whether or not they are logged in) in step 214 for any
alerts. Users may set their preferences for receiving electronic
mail alerts--when to receive them, and where they should be sent.
In a first embodiment of the invention, electronic mail alerts only
comprise a notification that one or more new notices are available
for user to view. This sparse notification is beneficial, as it
forces the user to log in to the system to retrieve any
notifications. Therefore, as the user logs in and retrieves the
notifications, access to each notification may be recorded. In a
second embodiment of the invention, each electronic mail message
may contain links to a user's client interface. By clicking on
those links or typing them into web browsers, users may be able to
access product hazard information contained in alerts. In a third
embodiment of the invention, electronic mail alerts may include
titles of new product hazard notification. In a fourth embodiment
of the invention, electronic mail alerts may include full or
partial information from the product hazard notification.
[0075] Once users have been notified of the new or modified product
hazard notification, they may "pick up" those notices, by accessing
the system and requesting the product hazard information. In the
first embodiment of the invention of the invention, users may be
prompted for user input before system 100 provides each product
hazard notice to them for viewing. For example, they may be
required to click on a particular portion of user interface 100a to
receive a product hazard notice after they viewed one product
hazard notice. In the second embodiment of the invention, such
additional input may not be needed and all product hazard
information may be provided at once. User interface is described in
more detail in connection with FIG. 4.
[0076] According to one embodiment of the invention, data
associated with each presentation of each product hazard notice may
be recorded in records database 108a in step 218. Such data may
include day and time of the viewing, and other associated
information.
[0077] Statistics engine 124 may calculate access statistics, such
as distribution of users accessing the notice, common features
among users interested in a particular product hazard notice, etc.
Any other statistical measurement may be performed. In another
embodiment of the invention, statistics engine 124 may determine,
for example, a correlation between two or more notices--that is, a
percentage of users that access two or more notices in the same
system session. For example, statistics engine 124 may determine
that there is a strong correlation between users reading product
hazard notices about car seats and about cars. Conversely, engine
124 may determine that there is an insignificant correlation
between users reading product hazard notices about oil and gas
heaters.
[0078] Statistics may be recorded in step 222. In an alternative
embodiment of the invention, they may be provided to outside
entities such as, for example, manufacturers, fulfillment
companies, government agencies, insurance companies, etc. There may
be associated billing records for statistics supplied to outside
entities. Such records are updated in step 224. If there are
additional requests for information, as determined in step 226, the
system may proceed to record additional information in step 218. If
no other requests have arrived, information associated with a
particular product hazard notice may be stored in product hazard
information database 108d, and processing terminates in step
230.
[0079] While one example of product hazard notice processing has
been outlined in the flow chart of FIG. 2, not all steps need be
executed in the order shown. According to an alternative embodiment
of the invention, two or more steps, such as, for example, steps
218 through 226, may be performed simultaneously. In yet another
embodiment of the invention, those steps may be performed
continuously for a predetermined duration.
[0080] According to one embodiment of the invention, each product
hazard notice may remain on the system and active for a prolonged
period of time, such as, for example, several years. In an
alternative embodiment of the invention, a manufacturer may set an
expiration date for each product hazard notice on a case by case
basis. In a third embodiment of the invention, product hazard
notices that have not been accessed for a long periods of time may
be deactivated, although they still may be stored in the product
hazard information database 108d.
[0081] Product hazard notice processing is not limited to any
particular implementation described above and may be modified as
appropriate for a particular application.
[0082] FIG. 4 shows a flow chart outlining operation of client user
interface 110. Access to the client interface 110 starts in step
402, where a user may load or install client interface 110. In the
first embodiment of the invention, client interface 110 may be a
web page, and loading client interface 110 may involve accessing a
particular web page using a web browser. In an alternative
embodiment of the invention, client interface 110 may be a
stand-alone program having a different access method.
Alternatively, users may access the system through alternative
access systems 150, in which case, initiating the client interface
may involve, for example, calling a particular phone number.
[0083] In the first embodiment of the invention, the users may
perceive the same functionality regardless of access method--that
is, options available to them are similar or identical in all
alternative access methods and in the main client interface. In an
alternative embodiment of the invention, functionality available
through alternative methods of access may be a modified version of
the main functionality. In yet another embodiment of the invention,
different functionality may be offered through different methods of
access.
[0084] According to another embodiment of the invention, only
registered users may access product hazard information. A check is
performed in step 404 to determine whether a particular user has
been registered. If the user has not registered, he/she is given an
option to register as a new user in step 406. A registered user may
be authenticated in step 408. Authentication may be performed, for
example, by requesting the user to enter a username and password
combination. A username is initially assigned during the
registration process, as is further discussed in connection with
FIGS. 5 and 6. The password may be assigned or may be chosen by the
user.
[0085] In an alternative embodiment of the invention,
authentication may be performed through any method known in the
art, such as, for example, authentication certificates, digital
signatures, physical authentication, such as a thumbprint, retina
scan, or any combination of the above. Various security schemes may
be employed to provide secure transfer of user information. Such
schemes may include, for example, Secure Socket Layer (SSL)
protocol transfers, symmetric or asymmetric key encryption, one
time pad encryption, hardware security and authentication devices,
or any combination of the above.
[0086] Once the user has been authenticated, a customized page may
be presented to the user in step 410. The custom page may be
arranged according to the user's preferences and provides user with
multiple functionality. An exemplary user page is illustrated in
FIG. 5.
[0087] The custom page may include, for example, a summary 512 of
notifications relevant to the user. Summary 512 may include
portions of notifications that summarize the hazard, and allows the
user to quickly review notifications. If additional details
regarding the notification are required by the user, the user could
select a notification in the summary window to display the detailed
product hazard information. Access to notifications displayed to
the user may be recorded, and the summary window may be manipulated
(for example, by a scroller bar) to display additional
notification, and record accesses by the user.
[0088] Buttons 502 are presented in the custom user page that
provide access to system functionality, links 506 that provide
access to preferences and personal user settings, button 504
providing quick access to user preferences, and product hazard
notices 510 and 508. Client interface 110 is not limited to the
representation shown in FIG. 5 and may be implemented in various
ways, and the invention is not limited to any particular
implementation. Furthermore, appearance of client 110 may vary from
user to user, because users may be allowed to modify appearance of
their interfaces 110a-n.
[0089] In general, client interface 110 may provide different
functionality, such as, for example: displaying product hazard
information, providing an interface to modify user preferences,
displaying product warnings, and providing access to additional
system functions.
[0090] A process for displaying detailed product hazard information
may proceed, for example, from step 413, where client user
interface 110 accepts user input indicative of a request to receive
more detailed information related a particular product hazard
notice. Product hazard information may then be displayed in step
414. Detailed product hazard information may be displayed in the
same window as client interface 110, or may be provided in a
separate window. In an alternative embodiment of the invention,
only a portion of a particular product hazard notice may be
displayed, and an additional user input may be needed in order to
display additional parts of the product hazard notice.
[0091] According to one embodiment of the invention, a new record
is created in the record database 108a every time a user is
supplied with a product hazard notice. Recorded in the record may
be information about date and time of displaying the product hazard
notice, a unique identifier of the product hazard notice displayed,
a unique identifier of the user viewing the notice, and other
information, as appropriate. In an alternative embodiment of the
invention, such information may be added to already-existing
records, or linked to user personal information or preferences.
[0092] According to one embodiment of the invention, records of
user viewing product hazard notices are kept for at least a
predetermined period of time. There may be links to fulfillment
companies provided in the client user interface. Links may include
contact information, or may be HTML links to fulfillment websites.
Furthermore, a particular link visually located near a particular
product hazard notice may link users directly to a website
specially addressing fulfillment of the particular product
mentioned in the product hazard notice.
[0093] If the user prefers to follow on to the fulfillment site, as
indicated by a check performed in step 418, the user is transferred
to the fulfillment site at step 420. If the user does not wish to
be transferred to the fulfillment site, or has returned from the
fulfillment site, a check may be made in step 422 to determine
whether the user would like to view another product hazard notice.
If other product hazard notices are requested, the client interface
110 returns to step 412. If no other product hazard notices are
requested, client interface 110 proceeds to step 434, where the
user may choose to access other client interface 110 functions.
[0094] One of the functions that the user may elect to perform is
modifying user preferences. Modification of user preferences may
start in step 426, where existing user preferences are displayed to
the user. User preferences may be presented in such a manner as to
allow the user to review the existing preferences and easily make
one or more modifications to them. User preferences are discussed
in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6. User
preferences may be modified in step 428. After the user has
finished modifying the preferences, a new set of preferences may be
recorded in the user information database 108b. As discussed above,
according to one embodiment of the invention, the new set of user
preferences may be stored in such a way so as not to over-write a
previous set of preferences associated with the particular user,
thus creating a chronological log of preference changes for that
user.
[0095] A check is performed in step 432 to determine if additional
changes to preferences are required. If the user wishes to modify
more preferences, client interface 110 returns to step 426.
Otherwise, client interface may proceed to step 434, where the user
may select additional functionality.
[0096] One of the available functions may include the function of
viewing product warnings. Product warnings may be displayed to the
user in step 438. Display of the product warnings may be done
according to user preferences--for example, users may indicate
which categories of warnings they would like to view.
[0097] According to one embodiment of the invention, product
warnings may be displayed in such as fashion as to allow users to
share their opinion or submit additional stories about the same
product. In another embodiment of the invention, product warnings
may be accompanied by links to product hazard notices issued in
connection with the mentioned product.
[0098] Records are created in records database 108 upon displaying
product warnings to users. Product warning records may include
substantially similar information as records created upon providing
product hazard notices to the users. In an alternative embodiment
of the invention, product warning records may contain different
information, indicative of a particular product. Various statistics
may be computed based on the product warnings records.
[0099] A check is performed in step 442 to determine if the user
wants to view additional product warnings. If more product warnings
are requested, the client interface 110 returns to step 438,
otherwise it proceeds to step 434, where the user may select
additional functionality.
[0100] Client interface 110 may provide functionality beyond what
is described above. At least a portion of other available functions
as provided in step 424 is described below in connection with FIG.
11. Implementation of client interface 110 is not limited to the
particular embodiments described above, and it may be implemented
in any way deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art, utilizing
graphic or textual user interface functionality.
[0101] FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a hierarchy of
user preferences. In one embodiment of the invention, user
preferences 602 may be organized based on a hierarchical structure.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a different
organizational structure may be used.
[0102] User preferences 602 may be generally subdivided into
personal preferences 604, product hazard notices preferences 608,
alerts preferences 618, product warnings 624, customized website
preferences 620, and fulfillment preferences 632.
[0103] User preferences 602 may include, for example, such
preferences 606, as a name, address, Social Security Number, date,
marital status, employment status, education level, information
about memberships in trade or consumer associations, etc. Any of
the above information fields may be optional--that is, the user
does not need to enter them to register to use system 100.
Consumers may elect to provide information above what is required,
because system 100 may provide additional functionality based on
the additional information. For example, if a user registers
himself/herself as being a member of a medical professional
organization, the user may later receive information relevant to
medicine and product hazard notices of medical products.
[0104] Product hazard information preferences 608 may include a
number of categories and subcategories of preferences, spanning the
breadth of consumer products. In one embodiment of the invention,
categories that users may use in their preferences correspond to
product information categories. For example, shown in FIG. 7, there
is a user interface for selecting product hazard information
preferences. Categories 612b in FIG. 7 correspond to those
discussed above in connection with product hazard notices
categories. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a
different set of categories and subcategories may be uses in user
preferences selection. In a third embodiment of the invention, each
user may specify categories of products of interest to him/her.
[0105] Specificity of categories and product preferences settings
may depend on a particular embodiment of the invention. In one
embodiment of the invention, only categories of products may be
shown. In another embodiment of the invention, user may be able to
select specific products. In yet another embodiment of the
invention, users may be able to supply additional specificity--such
as a particular product, produced in a particular year or in a
particular production factory. Preferences may be adjusted as
deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art.
[0106] In addition, user preferences 608 may comprise geographic
preferences 612. Such preferences may define, for example,
different granularity of geographic areas of interest to the user.
For example, geographic preferences may include a specific city
affected by a product hazard notice. In such a way, a person living
in Boston may select to not receive any product hazard notices that
are not applicable to the Boston area.
[0107] User preferences 610 may further include preferences related
to one's personal preferences, such as membership in professional
organizations, or target age groups. Other categories of
preferences may be included for user's modification, as appropriate
for a particular embodiment of the invention.
[0108] Preferences 602 may further include preferences related to
product hazard information alerts that may be sent out to users.
Such preferences 602 may include, for example, settings on whether
a particular user would like to receive the alerts, of what means
of notification should be used, of what general time of day or week
the alerts should be sent out in, etc. By allowing the users to
select a time at which they would prefer to receive such
notifications, one embodiment of the invention is also providing a
method of avoiding network congestion, as it is more likely that
the alerts will be distributed in time, and will not need to be
sent out all at once.
[0109] Preferences 602 may further include custom website settings
628. Such settings 628 may include, for example, settings that
control appearance of the website that is presented to an
individual user upon log in. In addition, settings 628 may control
settings about user forums in which a particular user might like to
monitor or participate in.
[0110] Preferences 602 may further include preferences 632
associated with product recall fulfillment. Such preferences 632
may include, for example, preferences on whether user information
should be supplied to fulfillment companies, preferred methods of
contacting fulfillment companies, etc. Fulfillment settings are
discussed further in connection with FIG. 15.
[0111] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a flow chart for
performing a process of new user registration. New user
registration starts in step 802, where a person selects to be
registered as a user of the system. The user may select to register
for the system by, for example, pressing a "quick register" button,
such as link 906 illustrated in FIG. 9. Registration and system
access may be provided in any one of numerous languages 908a-n. A
language may be selected by pressing an appropriate button. For
users of the system, a language of choice may be one of the
personal preferences settings. As shown in FIG. 9, registered users
may log into the system by using fields 904 to supply a username
and password combination.
[0112] Once the user indicates that he or she would like to
register to access the system, an interface is provided in step 804
that requests required user information. Such user information may
be, for example: a first name, last name, and an email address.
Interface for providing basic information is illustrated in
connection with FIG. 10. FIG. 10 shows required fields 1006,
including name, e-mail, and telephone information. Other
information may be required. Specifics of the required fields and
the interface for providing the user information may vary from
embodiment to embodiment, as deemed appropriate by one skilled in
the art.
[0113] In addition, a username and password may be supplied in
fields 1002 and 1004, respectively. According to one embodiment of
the invention, a username and an initial password may be generated
by system 100 in step 806 along with a set of default preferences.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, users may select
their own usernames. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a
username may be identical to a unique user identification number
for that user. This unique user identification number may be, for
example, hidden from a user. Also, for each username and password,
there may be issued one unique identification number.
[0114] Once a username and password is created, the system may
generate a default set of preferences in user information database
108b. Users may elect to create custom user preferences, as
indicated by a check in step 814. If the user elects to create the
custom preferences at the registration time, in step 818, he/she
may be presented with a user interface displaying preferences
categories. The user may be given an opportunity to select
appropriate categories and subcategories of user preferences in
step 820, after which selected preferences may be recorded in user
information database 108b. User may repeatedly request additional
sets of preferences to edit or create. A check is made in step 824
to determine whether additional categories should be presented. If
so, the system returns to step 818 where the user may continue to
enter additional preferences. Alternatively, the user may elect to
skip one or more sections of preferences.
[0115] Sets of user preferences may be recorded in user information
database 108b, after which the registration process may complete in
step 828, and the user may proceed to log into and use the system.
If the user does not choose to create custom preferences at step
814, the process completes in step 828. Implementations of the
registration process are not limited to what is described herein,
and may be modified in any way determined appropriate by one
skilled in the art.
[0116] A schematic representation of a hierarchy of additional
functions available the client user interface 110 is shown in FIG.
11. Such functions may include, for example, community access
functions 1102. The term "community access" may be used herein to
refer to any forum, chat room, mailing list, instant messaging, or
real time system which allows users to discuss information and to
share their views on different subjects. In one embodiment of the
invention, for example, users may share their opinion using an
interface for a user discuss board (not shown). Any other method
for allowing users to interact with other system users may be used
as part of community access functions 1102.
[0117] Additional functions 424 may also include completing a brief
user survey 1104. Brief surveys may be presented to a number of
users in order to gain an understanding of a prevalent user opinion
or user suggestions regarding a particular topic, such as changes
to system 100, worldwide events, opinions, etc. Brief user surveys
are discussed in more detail in connection with FIG. 12.
[0118] Other functions 424 may also include a link 1106 to system
associates 1106. An associate may be any entity providing product
hazard information to system 100, or any other entity featured or
mentioned on system 100 web pages. Users may also be allowed to
contact representatives of system 100 through the "contact us"
function 1108. A web page may be provided, for example, where users
may submit their messages to the system representatives. In an
alternative embodiment of the invention, a web page containing a
list of other contact methods is provided, such as, for example, a
list of relevant telephone numbers.
[0119] If a user finds a particular product hazard notice or a
product warning that he/she believes would be of interest to a
friend, he/she they may send information about that notice or
warning to the friend, using a forward hazard information to a
friend function 1110. In one embodiment of the invention, a link to
the product hazard notice may be sent to the friend, and the friend
may have to log into the system in order to access the product
hazard information. In another embodiment of the invention, the
whole notice or portions thereof may be included in the message
sent to the friend.
[0120] Users may additionally access product hazard notices by
searching for them using search interface 1112. Searching may be
based, for example, on a title, a particular product involved,
manufacturer's name or identification number, product hazard notice
identification number, date the product hazard notice was
originally posted, relative popularity of the product hazard
notice, etc. Other search capabilities may be provided, as
appropriate for a particular embodiment of the invention.
[0121] In addition to sending general messages to corporate
contacts, users may provide feedback on a variety of system
functions or changes in feedback function 114. For example, if some
aspects of client interface 110 have been changed, special
questions to the users may allow them to express their opinion
about the changes.
[0122] In addition, users may submit product warnings or update
their previous warnings using function 1116. Such information may
be submitted, for example, using a web form, by telephone, or
through other communication methods, such as letters or email. User
stories may include accounts of their own experiences with a
particular product. For example, a user may submit a product
warning if, in the user's ordinary use of the product, the product
caused a fire. User stories may be verified before they are posted
to the system as product warnings. In another embodiment of the
invention, various additional paths of actions may be suggested to
the user submitting the story--such as, for example, contacting a
manufacturer or a government agency. In yet another embodiment of
the invention, representatives of system 100 may contact those
entities themselves in order to gain additional information about
the reported story or to verify the story.
[0123] In one embodiment of the invention, system 100 may monitor
possible developments to the product warning and post updates that
users may access. For example, if a particular user warning results
in an issued product hazard notice, system 100 may link the product
hazard notice and the original product warning.
[0124] Brief user surveys will now be discussed in connection with
FIG. 12. Administration of a brief user survey may begin with step
1202, where a user accesses system 100, or where a message is sent
to the user.
[0125] The user may need to be authenticated by, for example,
logging into the system. Of course, if the user is already logged
into the system and viewing the survey, additional authentication
is not necessary. User authentication may allow additional
statistics to be extracted beyond what is represented in the
survey. For example, if the survey involves a "yes" or "no"
question about whether users would prefer a change to client
interface 110, and the users who took the survey were
authenticated, additional information may be extracted, such as,
for example: "a higher percentage of older users than younger users
may prefer to see a change to client interface 110."
[0126] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, users may be
asked to complete the brief user survey without needing to
authenticate themselves. In yet another embodiment of the
invention, authentication may be optional.
[0127] A "yes" or "no" question may be displayed to the user as a
part of the brief user survey in step 1206. Such a question may be
of the kind that may evoke a strong "yes" or "no" opinion in the
user. For example, a question of "what do you think about current
events?" would not be an appropriate question for such a survey, as
it does not evoke a strong "yes" or "no" response.
[0128] Users may select their preferred answers by, for example,
clicking on the provided "yes" or "no" buttons. Other means of
results submission may be provided, as appropriate for the
particular embodiment of the invention. In an alternative
embodiment of the invention, users receiving brief surveys over
electronic mail may complete the surveys and submit results over
electronic mail.
[0129] User answers may be received and recorded in step 1208, and
various statistics may be calculated in step 1210. Statistics may
include, for example, a total distribution of "yes" and "no" votes,
or a total percentage of users who completed the survey from those
who were presented with the survey.
[0130] Conciseness of the survey may increase participation, as
users are generally prone to avoid long surveys filled with
questions that generally do not evoke a strong response. In
comparison, completing a brief survey may be fun, and users may be
interested in other users' opinions on the subject.
[0131] A portion of the computed statistics may be displayed to the
users or may be related generally to users by an information page
or e-mail. For example, a total number of users who answered "yes"
may be displayed, a percentage of people who answered "no" may be
shown, or information may only be related in a general way to the
users, e.g. "I was surprised to see the number of people that
desire to be notified via pager.", etc. Additional portions of
statistics may be shown.
[0132] All survey statistics may be recorded in the database in
step 1214. In one embodiment of the invention, it has been
empirically shown that 80% of the answers to the survey arrive
within a day or two of the survey being posted, while other
responses may continue to arrive for a long period of time. In yet
another embodiment of the invention it has also been empirically
shown that in a large number of cases the total distribution of
user answers may be predicted based on the results submitted within
a first few hours after the survey has been posted. This empirical
observation may allow system administrators to provide accurate
statistics soon after the survey has been posted.
[0133] The brief survey process completes in step 1216, although it
is possible that a particular user will be asked to complete
another survey within his/hers continuous interaction with the
system. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a user may
request to complete a brief survey based on a particular topic. In
yet another embodiment of the invention, the user may request to
complete another survey, but the survey provided may be chosen
randomly from those available.
[0134] In one embodiment of the system, a list of surveys may be
kept in the system for one or more users. Surveys provided to a
user may be taken from a list for that user. The system may keep
track of which surveys have already been seen by the user.
[0135] A flow chart for a process of linking to a fulfillment
company site is shown in FIG. 12. Such process starts in step 1302,
after a user has indicated that he/she would like to access
fulfillment company's website in connection with a particular
product recall notice.
[0136] User input requesting the transfer may be recorded in step
1304. The user may elect his personal information to be transferred
to the fulfillment site. Such transfer has an advantage that the
user may be spared of having to type in he/she personal information
in the fulfillment site, thus saving user time, and increasing the
likelihood that the user will complete the fulfillment process.
However, transferring the user information may reveal personal user
information to the fulfillment sites. Users themselves may indicate
whether they would prefer their personal information to be
transferred. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, user
preferences regarding whether their personal information should be
transferred to the fulfillment sites may be indicated as part of
the general user preferences.
[0137] If the user has indicated that the user information should
be transferred to the fulfillment site, the user may additionally
select which portion of the personal information should be sent to
the fulfillment site, or all of the information may be transferred.
Users may then be transferred to the customized fulfillment site in
step 1312. The appearance of the fulfillment site may depend on the
particular fulfillment company. In one embodiment of the invention,
transferring to the fulfillment site may be done in one window of
the client interface 110, or in a portion of one window. In yet
another embodiment of the invention, the user may need to exit
system 100 in order to be transferred to the fulfillment site.
[0138] One or more transfers to the fulfillment sites may be
recorded in the fulfillment database 108d in step 1314. After that,
the process may terminate in step 1316, allowing users to complete
their recalls or to return to system 100 and take advantage of
other client interface functions.
[0139] A computer system for implementing system 100 as a computer
program typically includes a main unit connected to both an output
device which displays information to a user and an input device
which receives input from a user. The main unit generally includes
a processor connected to a memory system via an interconnection
mechanism. The input device and output device also are connected to
the processor and memory system via the interconnection
mechanism.
[0140] It should be understood that one or more output devices may
be connected to the computer system. Example output devices include
a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, liquid crystal displays (LCD),
printers, communication devices such as a modem, and audio output.
It should also be understood that one or more input devices may be
connected to the computer system. Example input devices include a
keyboard, keypad, track ball, mouse, pen and tablet, communication
device, and data input devices such as sensors. It should be
understood the invention is not limited to the particular input or
output devices used in combination with the computer system or to
those described herein.
[0141] The computer system may be a general purpose computer system
which is programmable using a computer programming language, such
as C++, Java, or other language, such as a scripting language or
assembly language. The computer system may also include specially
programmed, special purpose hardware. In a general purpose computer
system, the processor is typically a commercially available
processor, of which the series x86 and Pentium processors,
available from Intel, and similar devices from AMD and Cyrix, the
680X0 series microprocessors available from Motorola, the PowerPC
microprocessor from IBM and the Alpha-series processors from
Digital Equipment Corporation, are examples. Many other processors
are available. Such a microprocessor executes a program called an
operating system, of which WindowsNT, UNIX, DOS, VMS and OS8 are
examples, which controls the execution of other computer programs
and provides scheduling, debugging, input/output control,
accounting, compilation, storage assignment, data management and
memory management, and communication control and related services.
The processor and operating system define a computer platform for
which application programs in high-level programming languages are
written.
[0142] A memory system typically includes a computer readable and
writeable nonvolatile recording medium, of which a magnetic disk, a
flash memory and tape are examples. The disk may be removable,
known as a floppy disk, or permanent, known as a hard drive. A disk
has a number of tracks in which signals are stored, typically in
binary form, i.e., a form interpreted as a sequence of one and
zeros. Such signals may define an application program to be
executed by the microprocessor, or information stored on the disk
to be processed by the application program. Typically, in
operation, the processor causes data to be read from the
nonvolatile recording medium into an integrated circuit memory
element, which is typically a volatile, random access memory such
as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or static memory (SRAM).
The integrated circuit memory element allows for faster access to
the information by the processor than does the disk. The processor
generally manipulates the data within the integrated circuit memory
and then copies the data to the disk when processing is completed.
A variety of mechanisms are known for managing data movement
between the disk and the integrated circuit memory element, and the
invention is not limited thereto. It should also be understood that
the invention is not limited to a particular memory system.
[0143] It should be understood the invention is not limited to a
particular computer platform, particular processor, or particular
high-level programming language. Additionally, the computer system
may be a multiprocessor computer system or may include multiple
computers connected over a computer network. It should be
understood that each module (e.g. statistics engine, client user
interface, etc.) in FIG. 1 may be separate modules of a computer
program, or may be separate computer programs. Such modules may be
operable on separate computers. Data (e.g. databases 108a-e) may be
stored in a memory system or transmitted between computer systems.
The invention is not limited to any particular implementation using
software or hardware or firmware, or any combination thereof. The
various elements of the system, either individually or in
combination, may be implemented as a computer program product
tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storage device for
execution by a computer processor. Various steps of the process may
be performed by a computer processor executing a program tangibly
embodied on a computer-readable medium to perform functions by
operating on input and generating output. Computer programming
languages suitable for implementing such a system include
procedural programming languages, object-oriented programming
languages, and any combination of programming languages
thereof.
[0144] Having now described several embodiments, it should be
apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing is merely
illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of
example only. Numerous modifications and other embodiments are
within the scope of one of ordinary skill in the art and are
contemplated as falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *